Splitter numbers (2.85, 170). No WE now but I could probably substitute teach or LSAT tutor and consult. Anyway, do I take WUSTL with the money (not a lot but some) now or try for NU later (ED)? The thing is, of course, I wouldn't be getting any money from Northwestern.

You want to work in Chicago. IIRC, WUSTL claims to place only around 16% of its graduates in East North Central US (Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio). Even assuming the entire 16% went to Chicago (an absurd assumption in its own right), that's not a very high likelihood of landing Chicago, much less Chicago biglaw if that's what you're after.

WUSTL with minimal money sounds awful. It seems like you are probably right out of college so if I were you I think it is definitely worth it to take some time off. Note that NU is going to want full time work experience and 2 years (counted up until matriculation) should do. I'd also retake and get a 172+.

So yeah, I would go the NU route assuming you can do slightly better on the LSAT and you can accumulate 2 years full time w/e.

I'm in the exact same situation with a worse GPA. I'm basically positive I'm attending WUSTL next year. I'm having a lot of difficulty finding a decent job, and 170 just isn't going to cut it at NU. That means a retake is necessary. While I think I can pull off 172+ I'm not willing to put all of my eggs in that basket. I'm not sure I can turn down what might be my best case scenario for LS, WUSTL with $$, to take a wild shot in the dark at NU. It makes sense for some people. If I had a steady, well paying job, or was averaging higher than a 173 on my PTs, then I might go this root, but I'm nervous I'll have worse options and a lost year if I take the risk. You also have a higher GPA than me, might be significantly better than a 170 normally, and I'm assuming you got less money since you used one $. So, I don't really know what to say.